Mary overexposed no number c. 1957 - 1958

Robert Frank, a Swiss-American photographer known for his raw, documentary style, created "Mary overexposed no number," using black and white film. Frank, a Jewish émigré who came to America after the Second World War, captured images that often reflected a sense of alienation and a critical view of American society. Here we see an image of what appears to be the side profile of a face next to a set of window blinds, repeated several times. The overexposure washes out the details, abstracting the figure and architectural element. The woman in the frame is most likely Frank's wife, Mary, whom he photographed often. In his work, Frank challenged the idealized images prevalent in mainstream media, revealing the grit and complexity of everyday life. The emotional impact of "Mary overexposed" lies in its ethereal quality. The overexposure almost erases the figure, a potent metaphor for invisibility. The work resonates with personal introspection and broader social critiques.